Major: PitE (Program in the Environment)
Minor: English and History

Hometown: Needham, MA

Where did you transfer from? Colgate University

Why did you choose to transfer to the University of Michigan? I chose UM because of the substantial transfer support it provides in LSA and the wide range of clubs that they have. I also wanted a similar major to my prior university and LSA offered a major that was exactly what I wanted. 

Based on your personal experience, what is the one thing you want to tell new transfer students? Talk to everyone!! I met almost every one of my friends from putting myself out there and talking to people. It is stressful to think about doing it but everyone is so nice and willing to be friends. Also, there are more transfer students who are in  the same exact position as you than you’d think so you are not alone in what you’re feeling!

How did you make friends and meet other students on campus? I found roommates who were also transfer students which gave me instant friends when coming to campus. I met other people through club meetings and in classes and just talking to people at different events.

What is your favorite part about being an LSA transfer student? The LSA offers so many opportunities for majors, advising help, and specialized transfer support like the Transfer Student Center! There are also a lot of other transfer students since it is the largest school at UM and every transfer student has gone through the same thing so it builds a strong community. 

What do you know now that you wish you’d known before transferring to the University of Michigan? I wish I knew that you don’t need to overwhelm yourself in the first semester with extracurriculars. It may seem like you need to join everything to meet people but joining one or two things in the first semester will still allow you to meet people but will not overwhelm you. Classes are hard and time consuming so you want to make sure you still have time for yourself to relax! 

Why did you choose your specific major(s)? The PitE major offers a lot of flexibility in the types of classes I can take after fulfilling the prerequisites. I can target my major towards my specific environmental interests since it offers a variety of types of classes that can fulfill the requirements.